His aircraft was shot downover the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944

Comments/CitationNAVY CROSS

Awarded for actions during World War II

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Conrad Wesley Crellin (0-263694), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15, embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. In the face of intense and accurate antiaircraft fire from the whole enemy formation, under extremely hazardous combat conditions, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Crellin participated in a bombing attack on a Japanese battleship. Fearlessly maneuvering through withering hostile fire of all calibers, he pressed home his attack and, by his expert airmanship, obtained a direct hit which caused certain damage, before his plane crashed into the sea as a result of an accurate burst from hostile guns. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Crellin's outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 342 (September 1945)
Born: September 21, 1922 at Wakefield, Nebraska
Home Town: Los Angeles, California
Personal Awards: Navy Cross (WWII), 2@ Air Medals, Purple Heart